2017 Top 40 Undergraduate Professors: Herbert “Buddy” Mayo, The College of New Jersey

Herbert “Buddy” Mayo

Professor of Finance

The College of New Jersey School of Business

Among the favorite professors recognized by the Poets & Quants 2017 Best & Brightest Undergraduate Students, the College of New Jersey’s Herbert “Buddy” Mayo was one. Described by Kaiser Tan as simply “the infamous,” he is also known for being “old school, but incredibly effective.” Students say he instills toughness and facilitates classes wherein they aren’t just handed the answers, they’re taught to think outside the box and problem solve to arrive at the answers themselves.

Professor Mayo has taught in the business school at The College of New Jersey over three decades. He’s not only known for his teaching, but the generous contributions he makes to the school community as a whole to help enhance students’ learning experiences. In 2000, he launched the business school’s Student Investment Fund class which gives undergraduate students the chance to make investment decisions with real money. Mayo raised money through alumni and faculty and matched every dollar from his own pocket. In 2011 he established the Mayo Business Plan Competition, designed to increase students’ appreciation for the challenge of developing a viable business. 2017 winners received $50,000 in prize money, also donated by Professor Mayo himself.

Mayo is the author of a widely used finance textbook, Investments: An Introduction, which is currently on its 12th edition.

“I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when…” I was offered a job.

“If I weren’t a business school professor…” I would be an economics professor.

“One word that describes my first time teaching…”Educational

What do you enjoy most about teaching undergraduate business students? The interaction with students

What is the biggest challenge that comes with teaching undergraduate business students? Getting the students to interact.

What is the most impressive thing one of your undergraduate students has done? Having their material published in print.

What is the least favorite thing one has done?Only one?

What does a student need to do to get an A in your class?Learn the material and demonstrate that knowledge.

“When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as …” Harder than most faculty.

What are your hobbies? Working in the yard, animals, and music.

How did you spend your summer? Writing, working in the yard, playing with the animals, and experiencing music.

Favorite place to vacation: Home

Favorite book: None

Favorite movie and/or television show: Downton Abbey

Favorite type of music and/or favorite artist: Opera

Bucket list item #1:No bucket

What professional achievement are you most proud of? My textbooks

What is your most memorable moment as a professor? Learning of the loss of a student

Professor you most admire and why: There are too many to only name one

What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it?N/A

Twitter handle: None

“If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this…” Writing, and student presentations

“And much less of this…” No PowerPoints

Looking ahead 10 years from now, describe what “success” would like for you: At my age?

Students say…

His teaching style is old school but incredibly effective, making students come up to the board and solve problems during class. He facilitates discussion by not giving the correct answer right away, but rather letting the class problem solve. Dr. Mayo’s fun attitude and dedication to making a connection with students makes him an excellent choice for this honor.